Sweet mock orange Philadelphus coronarius 'Aureus'
ABOUT
Known commonly as the golden mock-orange, Philadelphus coronarius 'Aureus' is a deciduous shrub with a striking appearance. It is particularly noted for its foliage, which is a vibrant yellow-green or golden color. This bright foliage sets it apart in the garden, especially in the spring when the leaves are fresh and new. The color of the leaves can become more greenish-yellow as they mature, especially if the plant is situated in more shade. The golden mock-orange blooms profusely in late spring to early summer. The flowers are white and have a classic, sweet and intense scent reminiscent of orange blossoms, from which the common name is derived. These flowers are borne in clusters and are typically four-petaled with a small array of stamens in the center, creating a delicate and showy display. The plant has a bushy habit, with branches that arch gracefully. The overall texture of the shrub is lush due to its dense foliage, and it can create an eye-catching spot in any garden when placed for both its golden leaves and aromatic white flowers. The bark of the shrub is a light brown and becomes more textured and exfoliating with age. Overall, the golden mock-orange is beloved for its two-fold appeal: the glorious golden foliage that adds a warm hue to the landscape and the fragrant, showy flowers that announce the arrival of summer.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hydrangeaceae
Synonyms
Sweet Mock Orange, Mock Orange, English Dogwood
Common names
Philadelphus coronarius 'Aureus'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Sweet Mock-orange is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant, and it is not known to cause any significant toxic effects. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, and it is always advisable to avoid ingesting plant parts that are not typically recognized as food.
To pets
The Sweet Mock-orange is also generally regarded as non-toxic to pets. It does not appear on common lists of plants that are poisonous to animals like dogs and cats. There should be no significant risk of poisoning or serious health consequences if pets ingest parts of this plant. However, consumption of non-food plant material can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets, so it is still wise to prevent them from consuming large quantities of any plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Yellow-green
Flower color
White
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Southern Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Mock Orange 'Aureus' is highly prized for its decorative golden-yellow foliage and abundant, fragrant white flowers.
- Wildlife Attraction: The fragrant blossoms attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, this shrub requires minimal care, thriving with just basic seasonal pruning and occasional watering in dry periods.
- Hardiness: It is tolerant of a variety of soil types and can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for many climates.
- Privacy Screen: When planted in groups, it can form an effective privacy screen or hedge, offering seclusion and reducing noise from surroundings.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers visual interest throughout different seasons with its changing foliage colors and spring blooms, enhancing garden aesthetics year-round.
- Versatility: Can be used in various landscape designs, including foundation plantings, mixed borders, and as a standalone specimen.
- Long-Lived: With proper care, this shrub can live and thrive for many years, making it a long-lasting addition to any landscape.
- Heritage Plant: Often associated with traditional gardens, its use can add a sense of history and classic beauty to landscaping designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dye: The flowers of Mock Orange can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics and yarn, offering a gentle hue to textiles.
- Insect Repellent: Some gardeners use the strong, citrus-like scent of Mock Orange to deter pests such as mosquitoes and others from the garden.
- Photography: The vivid yellow leaves and white blossoms make Mock Orange an excellent subject for botanical photography.
- Wedding Decor: The beautiful blooms of Mock Orange are often used in floral arrangements and bouquets, particularly for spring weddings.
- Aromatherapy: The fragrance from Mock Orange flowers is sometimes used in aromatherapy to create a soothing and relaxing environment.
- Perfume: Extraction from flowers can be used in the art of homemade perfume making for a sweet and floral scent.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for culinary use, the flowers can be used as edible garnishes on cakes and desserts.
- Teaching Tool: Mock Orange can be used to teach botany and horticulture, illustrating pruning techniques and plant care.
- Ceremonial Uses: In some cultures, the blooms may be used in ceremonies or celebrations as a symbol of purity or peace.
- Artistic Inspiration: The contrasting foliage and flowers can serve as inspiration for artists, especially in the creation of botanical illustrations and paintings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mock Orange is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mock Orange is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: Philadelphus coronarius 'Aureus', commonly known as Sweet Mock-orange, blooms in the late spring or early summer, symbolizing the renewal and the fresh start that come with these seasons.
- Innocence: The plant's pure white flowers can represent innocence and purity, often evoking a sense of simplicity and unadulterated beauty.
- Brotherly Love: The name Philadelphus is derived from the Greek "philos," meaning love, and "adelphus," meaning brother, highlighting themes of fraternal affection and companionship.
- Aromatherapy: With its intensely fragrant blossoms, Sweet Mock-orange is often associated with stress relief and mental peace, embodying the therapeutic power of pleasant scents.
- Memory: The plant's long-lasting and distinctive fragrance can trigger memories and nostalgia, making it a symbol of reminiscence and the past.
WaterThe mock orange requires regular watering, particularly during its blooming season and in hot, dry conditions. It prefers consistently moist soil, so watering it once a week is a good baseline. However, this can vary with rainfall and temperature; if the soil dries out quickly, increase the frequency. A good method for watering is to use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to allow water to penetrate deeply into the soil, encouraging deep root growth. Aim for about 1 inch of water each time, which equates to approximately 0.623 gallons per square foot over a week.
LightMock orange thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for planting mock orange is a location where it receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight per day, with some dappled shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. However, if it's in an area that's too shaded, it may not bloom as profusely.
TemperatureMock orange is hardy in a range of temperatures and can withstand winter chill as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many temperate regions. It grows best when summer temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Elevated temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit may cause stress to the plant, especially if there is insufficient water.
PruningPruning mock orange is primarily done to shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage more vigorous growth and blooming the following season. Prune immediately after flowering since mock orange blooms on the previous year's growth; late pruning will remove flower buds. An annual pruning by cutting back one-third of the older stems to the ground can help renew the plant and maintain a more manageable size.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius 'Aureus') should be well-draining and fertile, with a mix of loam, peat, and sand to facilitate good drainage and airflow. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Adding organic material like compost or well-rotted manure can enrich the soil and promote healthy growth.
RepottingGenerally, Mock Orange shrubs do not require frequent repotting and are often planted directly in the garden. If grown in containers, they may be repotted every few years to refresh the soil and prevent root bounding. Repotting is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingMock Orange prefers moderate humidity conditions. It is adaptable to the humidity levels typically found in a temperate garden environment and does not require any special humidity considerations beyond normal outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Mock Orange in a sunny spot; ensure good drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in sun/part-shade; protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleSweet Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius 'Aureus') typically begins its life cycle when the seeds undergo germination in late spring, after they have been exposed to a period of cold stratification that breaks dormancy. Seedlings emerge and develop into young plants with golden-yellow foliage, which is more pronounced in sunlight. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative state where it grows stems and leaves, establishing a strong, bushy form. During late spring to early summer, the mature shrub produces fragrant, white flowers that attract pollinators, after which it sets seed. After flowering, seed pods develop and eventually the seeds are dispersed, often by wind or animals. The plant may also be propagated through cuttings or layering, and it goes through a period of dormancy in winter, where it conserves energy for the next season's growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating the Philadelphus coronarius 'Aureus', commonly known as Golden Mock Orange, is via softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when new growth is still flexible but starting to mature. One cuts a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 centimeter) stem section from a healthy parent plant just below a leaf node, strips the bottom leaves, and dips the cut end into a rooting hormone powder or gel. The prepared cutting is then placed into a well-draining potting mix or a blend of peat and perlite, ensuring that the leaf nodes are buried as these are the points where new roots will develop. The pot should be kept in a humid environment with indirect light and consistent moisture until roots establish, which usually takes several weeks. Once rooted, the new Golden Mock Orange plant can be gradually hardened off before transplanting outdoors.
